Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Brien asked about the Betting (Amendment) Bill. The Department of Finance needs to engage in further consultation with the European Commission on this Bill. It is most likely that it will be late next month before Committee Stage is scheduled. In any event, I have no intention of rushing this Bill through the House. The Second Stage of the Bill will be taken in the House today and, if not concluded today, will be resumed next week.

Senators Darragh O'Brien, Mooney, Leyden, Conway, Paul Coghlan, Healy Eames, Walsh, Crown and others, raised the issue of appointments to State boards. All appointments to State boards have been completed. Those appointed are very well qualified, including the person to whom speakers alluded yesterday when the Minister came to the House. The Minister outlined the qualifications of the gentleman in question. In my opinion he is well qualified for the position and for the cultural and educational panel.